Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA

EORGE WRIGHT, deceased, formerly a farmer of Hazel Dell Township, was born in Thurcaston, Leicestershire, England, April 12, 1819, learned the trades of brick-mason and plasterer, was married January 16, 1842, to Elizabeth Woolenton, who was born in the town of Thrusinton, Leicestershire, May 30, 1821, and after his marriage was employed as gardener and florist. In December, 1847, he emigrated to America, locating first at St. Louis; in a few years he removed to Genoa, Nebraska, whence he was driven two years later by the Indians back to the Missouri River. In the spring of 1860, he settled on eighty acres of wild prairie land on section 3, Hazel Dell Township, this county, improved it and remained upon it until his death, which occurred October 13, 1876. Mrs. Wright is still living on the old home place. Mr. Wright was, and Mrs. Wright still is, a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter-Day Saints. In their family are six children, namely: Frederick, who was born January 2, 1843; Emma E., born November 18, 1844, now the wife of A. B. Smith, residing in Pottawattamie County, Iowa; George, born March 11, 1847, also residing in this county; William, born October 2, 1852, is also a resident of Pottawattamie County; Sara A., born January 18, 1857, died August 15, 1858; and Mary J., born September 13, 1860, now the wife of George Duncan, of this county.

George Wright, Jr., the subject of this paragraph, the third born in the above family, is a native of Leicestershire, England, came with his parents to this country and was brought up on a farm, assisting in opening up the home place just mentioned. After his marriage he located upon his farm on sections 3 and 4, consisting of 116 acres of uncultivated land, which he has since greatly improved, making a fine place, where he is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He is a self-made man, having risen from the bottom round of the ladder to the present comfortable station which he enjoys, buy his own unaided efforts. He is a zealous Democrat, and has served as a member of the School Board, etc. He and his wife are members of the Reorganized church of the Latter-Day Saints. October 9, 1872, he married Miss Alice E., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Holder) Gilson, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 11, 1852, and came to Iowa with her parents. In this family are five children: Lydia A., born August 5, 1873; George W., February 16, 1876, and died April 1, 1878; Frank B., June 30, 1878; Adolph B., July 9, 1884; and Gracie E, March 5, 1890.

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